FR 2025-02493

The document from the Federal Register announces a virtual meeting organized by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to select the recipient of the Alan T. Waterman Award. The meeting is scheduled for March 3, 2025, and is designated as closed due to the private nature of the content, particularly concerning personal information related to the nominees.

General Summary

This notice serves to inform the public of a forthcoming meeting of the Alan T. Waterman Award Committee, managed by the NSF. The meeting aims to provide advice and recommendations on selecting the recipient for a prestigious award in the scientific community. The event is scheduled to take place virtually and is closed to the public to protect sensitive information related to the candidates under consideration. A contact person, Gayle Pugh Lev, is noted in the document for any inquiries regarding the meeting.

Significant Issues and Concerns

Several points in the document can be seen as potentially confusing or lacking in clarity:

1. Virtual Meeting with Physical Address: The notice describes the meeting as virtual, yet it provides a physical address for NSF headquarters. This dual presence might confuse individuals who are uncertain about the need to physically attend or log in remotely.

2. Closed Meeting Justification: The meeting is closed on the grounds of discussing personal information, as outlined by 5 U.S.C. 552b(c), (6). Greater clarity on the exact nature of the personal information could increase public understanding without infringing on privacy rights.

3. Inadequate Contact Information: While a contact person is provided, the absence of an email address might limit accessibility, as some individuals prefer or require digital communication methods over phone calls.

Impact on the Public

For the general public, this document appears as a routine governmental notice, suggesting minimal immediate impact. However, its closed nature means the public will not directly participate or observe the process. The virtual nature of the meeting reflects modern adaptation to technology, allowing for remote participation, possibly reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For nominees and stakeholders within the scientific community, the closed meeting ensures that their personal information remains safeguarded. This confidentiality is crucial for respecting privacy rights and maintaining professional integrity during the selection process. On the other hand, the scientific community might benefit from enhanced transparency concerning the selection criteria and procedures, possibly through subsequent reports or summaries that maintain nominee confidentiality.

The document also highlights a potential area for improvement in accessibility, as providing an email contact might allow for broader engagement with NSF by interested parties, especially those who rely on email for communication.

In summary, while the document effectively outlines the logistical details of the meeting, addressing the highlighted issues may improve public clarity and stakeholder engagement without compromising the mission or functionality of the meeting.